Stephanie Sparks, a former professional golfer and co-host of the Golf Channel’s “Big Break,” has passed away.
She was 50.
“Stephanie Sparks, 50, of Orlando, FL passed away on April 13, 2024,” an online obituary read.
“Although plagued with health injuries, she enjoyed an accomplished amateur career. She enjoyed several years playing professionally on the LPGA development Future’s Tour and played for one year on the LPGA tour. Stephanie went on to work for the Golf Channel and was most memorable as the host for the Golf with Style series as well as several Big Break reality seasons. This allowed her to remain involved in the sport that she loved,” it continued.
No cause of death was given.
Stephanie Sparks Dies: Host Of The Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’ Reality Series Was 50. Died suddenly. No cause.
i’ve never seen so many people die unexpectedly in my life and I’m 67 years old. My feed isn’t from a misinformation source. It’s from NewsBreak https://t.co/SbUp9pDYkS
— Steve Kirsch (@stkirsch) April 21, 2024
“I’m shocked and saddened by the death of Stephanie Sparks. Many of you will remember Steph as the host of #BigBreak – we worked together on 7 seasons. Lots of fond memories of those times, Steph was a crucial part of the Big Break success story. My thoughts go out to her family,” Golf Channel broadcaster Tom Abbott said.
I’m shocked and saddened by the death of Stephanie Sparks. Many of you will remember Steph as the host of #BigBreak – we worked together on 7 seasons. Lots of fond memories of those times, Steph was a crucial part of the Big Break success story. My thoughts go out to her family. pic.twitter.com/3vND4ingyI
— Tom Abbott (@TomAbbottGC) April 20, 2024
From the New York Post:
Spark starred as a young golfer, winning the 1992 North and South Women’s Amateur and the 1993 Women’s Western Amateur and Women’s Eastern Amateur.
She went on to golf collegiately for Duke, where she earned first-team All-American honors in her freshman season and second-team as a sophomore.
She was then part of the 1994 Curtis Cup team that tied Great Britain and Ireland at The Honors Course outside Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Her pro career, however, was short-lived due to injuries, especially back pain, which limited her to just one season on the LPGA Tour.
Stephanie Sparks dead at 50: Former Golf Channel host, USA Curtis Cup and LPGA player passes away https://t.co/0ULQhH3qg1 pic.twitter.com/9Xa46IofVq
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 20, 2024
And…'suddenly'😪💔
*Stephanie Sparks-50 yrs-USA
*Host of The Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’ Reality Series
*Former All-American collegiate golfer at Duke
*April 13, 2024
*Stephanie died suddenly.
*No Cause of Death Reportedhttps://t.co/3tBVgvzyj7 pic.twitter.com/VHp7B84PX2— cheri maday (@resilient333) April 21, 2024
Fox News reports:
According to Golfweek, Sparks transitioned into broadcasting, hosting several series on the Golf Channel and reporting during tournaments.
Sparks’ family intends to hold a private service.
“Stephanie graced our world with her presence and leaves behind cherished memories of laughter, kindness, and warmth,” her obituary says.